Eight U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 303rd Fighter Squadron, 442nd Fighter Wing, have deployed to Amari Air Base in Estonia, according to a U.S. Air Force press release.
The A-10s, more popularly known as Warthogs, along with about 170 airmen, deployed from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri to Estonia in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. This is only the latest deployment of A-10s to Europe in various Theater Support Packages supporting Atlantic Resolve, which have also included F-16s and F-15s, among other aircraft. The A-10s, beloved by ground troops and armed with a 30mm tank-killing gun firing depleted uranium shells as well as a range of precision munitions, are dedicated to close air support and have acquired a fearsome reputation in action.
Atlantic Resolve is an ongoing operation to demonstrate the United States’ commitment to the collective security of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the face of Russian aggression toward its immediate neighbors and beyond.
The Reservists, who arrived August 22, have joined three Air National Guard units to train with their Estonian counterparts for the next three weeks. Part of the training will see the Warthogs carrying out missions at low level. The U.S. Air Force units will also train with the Finnish air force during the deployment.